Best Ninja Coffee Maker: Wheres the Bar on these Bars?

Previously, if you wanted a complete coffee shop experience at home, you had to invest in a coffee grinder, drip coffee machine, espresso machine, milk frother, stove top French press if you fancy , and even a pod coffee maker for those lazy days when you don’t feel like dealing with beans.

That all sounds like a pretty expensive process, doesn’t it? Not to mention, you’ll end up with a pretty busy kitchen countertop without much room for anything else. however, thankfully, that is no longer the case with ninja coffee makers.

Reading: Best ninja coffee maker

These wonderful little machines pack a variety of brewing capabilities into a relatively small yet powerful package. but does that broader ability mean the ninja is simply a jack of all trades and a master of none? that’s what we’re here to find out.

at a glance: our top 5 picks for ninja coffee machines

why buy one?

one word: versatility. Whether you’re looking for a lot more convenience in your home brewing, or you’ve decided that the five different coffee machines sitting on your kitchen counter take up a lot of space, then a ninja coffee maker is for you.

what to expect

You can expect at least four brew options from most ninja brewers: Classic, Rich, Iced, and Special. some models also offer a strong or cold brew option.

This is what each option implies:

Classic: This is your typical cup of coffee: the infusion of confidence.
rich: With a strength between classic and espresso options, this will give you a drink that pairs well with dairy without overpowering or being overpowered.
Iced: This option opens up a whole new world of home brewing. allows you to brew your coffee on the rocks for a wonderfully refreshing dose of caffeine.
cold brew (only available on newer models): This isn’t exactly the pure 14-hour cold brew you can brew yourself, but it’s brewed more slowly and at a colder temperature to create an overall smoother cup .

In addition to all these different coffee options, Ninja machines come with an Auto IQ One Touch feature. this means that the coffee maker will measure the water and brew for you once you have selected the size you want. In addition to being much easier, this will take a lot of the guesswork out of trying to make the perfect mug.

Speaking of cup size, ninja has a single cup option, which competes effectively with other pod and dual brew systems. this is especially important because you can use your own ground coffee: revolutionary.

comparison of the best ninja choices

while ninja coffee has a respectably large variety of products, we have selected and reviewed the four that we think will give you the best idea of the range and the best products. We’ve also included a couple of variant recommendations if one of these models isn’t exactly what you’re looking for.

ninja dualbrew pro coffee maker (cfp301)

First, let’s look at the newest and most innovative ninja coffee maker on this list. The DualBrew Pro is one of the most versatile home brewers on the market, accommodating virtually all types of coffee drinkers. It’s also the first ninja coffee maker to brew k-cups and grounds, quite a revolutionary advance for ninja. So whether you want a small cup of hot coffee or a full 12-cup carafe for the whole family, this coffee maker is for you.

In addition to black coffee, you can add a touch of frothed milk or cream with the help of the detachable frothing arm, and the machine will also give you a delicious hot latte or an equally delicious ice cream. In addition to coffee styles, it also has four different types of preparation, an independent hot water system and can prepare a special coffee, which is the ninja version of an espresso.

Overall, this is a coffee machine you’ll want to use and own. it’s one of our top picks because of its versatility and ease of use, not to mention that it’s backed by one of the most recognizable brands in the world of kitchen appliances. trust us. if you like to have all the bells and whistles on your coffee kit, this is for you.

ninja hot and cold brew system (cp301)

Next, we’ll look at the model that effectively replaced the ninja coffee shop line: the hot and cold brew system.

In terms of size, this model can brew a cup, xl cup, travel mug, xl multi-serve/travel mug, half carafe and full carafe. you can choose between the classic, rich, with ice, cold beer and amp; special functions for brewing. In addition, it can also prepare herbal, black, oolong, white and green tea if you like.

Machine package includes permanent coffee and tea filters, separate coffee and tea baskets, ninja smart spoon, quick start guide and 40 recipe book. and the machine itself features a removable water reservoir, 10-cup thermal carafe, and collapsible steamer.

ninja special coffee maker (cm407)

The specialty brewer is pretty similar to the hot and cold brewer, except it has a bit of limited brewing. many rejected components are in the tea area, so it’s not a big loss for coffee lovers. but you can’t brew capsules either, so if you want the full range of brew capabilities, you’d be better off choosing dual brewing.

However, the specialty is a great machine. brews consistently delicious cups of coffee, whether you want a latte, macchiato, or just a simple, classic brew. It can also brew iced drinks and make a variety of brew sizes, from a single cup to a half pitcher to a full pitcher. specialty has a wide range of capacities and options, and there is more than enough versatility here to satisfy most coffee drinkers.

ninja 12-cup programmable coffee maker (ce251)

Last but not least, this 12-cup programmable coffeemaker is a great choice for someone who needs a larger coffeemaker but isn’t bothered by a lot of advanced features. it can prepare both classic and rich coffees and produce exquisite, flavorful and never bitter drinks.

in addition, it is also elementary to use. The water tank can be removed for easy filling and can hold up to 60 ounces of liquid, enough to fill the 12-cup glass carafe. but you can also choose the small brew setting to create 1-4 cups that are just as delicious. Once you’ve chosen your brew size, simply add your ground coffee, select your coffee strength, and voila! the perfect cup of delicious coffee!

but there’s more! In addition to excellent coffee capabilities, this Ninja model has some pretty useful extra features. the delayed brew setting allows you to brew your coffee at a specific time, maybe you want a hot pot waiting for you first thing in the morning. Plus, the adjustable warming plate will keep your coffee hot for up to 4 hours.

previous ninja coffee bar models

The above machines are the current ninja offerings in the field of coffee preparation. however, many older ninja coffee maker models are still sold as “refurbished” or refurbished products. If you’ve heard of “Ninja Coffee Bar” models, these CF models are what they’re referring to. because they are so reliable, many people still choose and recommend them.

cf112 single dose system with built-in vaporizer

If you’re just powering a coffee house of one, this entry-level single-serve coffee machine might be the one for you. has the full range of brewing capabilities, from classic to strong, explicitly designed to serve 1 or 2 drinks at a time.

It comes with a glass and a built-in milk frother, and is compatible with both a permanent filter and a disposable paper filter. the cf112 also comes with a 1 year limited warranty.

On the other hand, measuring 12.2 x 11 x 16.3 inches, this machine is a bit large for the limited capacity. There have also been some complaints about the cleaning light staying on even after descaling.

cf087 coffee maker with thermal jug

The CF087 can brew single cup, travel mug, half carafe and full carafe, making it more versatile in terms of capacity than the CF112.

43 ounce pitcher is included with the machine. in this case it is a double-walled stainless steel jug with thermal insulation. the carafe differentiates this model from the slightly cheaper cf082, which has a glass carafe and a heating plate.

That difference simply makes the brew taste better, especially if you drink it slowly over two hours instead of immediately after brewing.

One of the biggest selling points of this ninja is its pre-infuse feature, where the grounds are moistened before the brew cycle. this improves the overall flavor quality.

The main drawbacks of this machine are that the frothing wand is not integrated and it cannot make xl cups or xl sizes of multiple servings.

cf097 coffee bar preparation system with thermal carafe

This is the largest machine on the list, measuring 15 x 11.3 x 16.3 inches, although it is similar in construction to the CF112. however, with the larger footprint comes greater characteristic versatility.

The CF097 can brew any size cup, from a single serving to a full carafe and everything in between. you can also enjoy any of the five brewing methods, so you should be able to brew a cup that meets your needs any day of the week.

Another bonus is that this machine has a built-in foamer, so if you love microfoam, you won’t be disappointed. In addition, the thermal carafe has a capacity of 10 cups. You can also get a glass carafe with a hot plate for a little less by opting for the CF091. The built-in water reservoir holds enough water to fill an entire pitcher in one go (50 ounces), and as an upgrade from the CF087, it’s also removable.

Our only complaints about this machine is that it takes up more space than the other options, and if you want it to shut down completely, you’ll have to do it manually.

drinking habits

As always, your machine should meet your coffee drinking needs. multiple coffeemakers can accommodate you if you need a device that can seamlessly transition from a single serve to a full carafe.

do you want capsules?

The simplicity of making coffee with a pod draws many people to pod machines instead of using ground coffee. but with ninja’s latest dualbrew model, you no longer have to select one or the other. so if you want a machine that can whip up a delicious pitcher for the family and allow you to simply toss in a pod when you’re in a hurry, then it’s a no-brainer!

to foam or not to foam

When it comes to stepping up your coffee game, frothing milk is one of the easiest ways to go. therefore, having a coffee machine that is actually capable of frothing for you can save you the time and money of getting a separate one.

the cfp301, cp307 and cm407 models have practical and effective folding ninja skimmers, but the ce251 model does not. therefore, if you’re a fan of specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, we suggest choosing one of the first three instead of the last.

free real estate

ninja machines inherently save some space by reducing the number of gadgets you need. however, you still need to consider the size. ninjas tend to fall in the middle of the pack when it comes to space, taking up a fairly average amount of vertical space (perhaps a bit on the tall side) and surface area.

These are the measurements of our four main options:

cfp301: 11.39″ length x 9.13″ width x 15.54″ height
cm407: 12″ long x 8.8″ wide x 15″ high
cp301: 11.8 length x 10 width x 15 height
ce251: 8 long x 10 x 14 inches

As always, be sure to consider available counter space and under-cabinet space before purchasing a machine.

before preparing

These machines require you to purchase and potentially grind your own beans. this can affect the flavor more than any component of the brewer. so keep that in mind if you try any of these products.

are all ninja coffee makers ninja coffee bars?

no they are not. ninja coffee bar refers to some of the older ninja coffee products that we cover in the “renewed” section. They were called coffee bars because they had a wider range of brew strength, type, and size than almost any other drip coffee maker on the market.

This versatile functionality has not disappeared in the newer models. in fact, they’ve added even more capabilities, like cold brew and k-cup support. the only thing gone is the name! however, you can still purchase many ninja cafe models as “refurbished” products.

is a ninja an espresso machine?

no, at this point ninja doesn’t make an espresso machine. however, as mentioned above, several of the ninja brewers will brew a “special” brew that gives you a 4-ounce strongly brewed concentrate that can be used to make drinks like lattes and more that would normally require a shot of espresso.

however, don’t buy a ninja coffee maker expecting it to be a replacement for a traditional espresso machine.

what is the difference between glass and thermal jugs?

Something you’ll no doubt see a lot of when shopping for any type of drip coffee maker is the mention of thermal and glass carafes. As a general rule, thermal jugs are preferable, even with the slight increase in price that comes with it.

therma carafes keep coffee hot by trapping heat generated during the brewing process. this helps keep your coffee fresh longer. glass jugs, on the other hand, add heat through a heating plate, resulting in burnt-tasting brews if left on for too long.

are ninja coffee makers difficult to clean?

no, ninja coffee makers are not difficult to clean. usually you will be informed that the machine needs cleaning by a small flashing indicator light which is basically your machine saying “clean me please!”

While descaling a coffee maker may seem a bit daunting, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. The whole process should take around 15 minutes tops and should only be done every few months.

To clean it, you should run a quality descaling solution, or an alternative such as white wine vinegar, through the machine. The method for this is quite simple, and we have a complete step-by-step guide on how to clean your ninja coffee maker to walk you through.

what size filters do I need for my ninja coffee maker?

A variety of filters will fit a ninja coffee maker, from standard size paper filters to reusable filters and conical filters. however, most ninja models typically use size four cone filters. many models also come with a reusable filter.

Are ninja coffee machines reliable?

yes, ninja coffee makers are very reliable kitchen appliances. this is one of the reasons why models, even the oldest ones, never stop selling. Despite having a range of flashy, high-tech machines, Ninja also encompasses a simple elegance that we’ve come to know and love. In addition to being one of the most effective coffee makers on the market, this style is also easy to trust.

However, that’s not to say that the product line has never had problems. the most typical difficulties reported by reviewers are reservoir leaks and an ineffective cleaning cycle. This has led to reports that some models have a typically shorter life cycle than other brands of coffee makers such as Keurig or CuisineArt. however, ninja has done a lot of work on their latest models to combat these issues, and feedback on the new products is very positive.

what drinks can you make with ninja?

One of the best parts about owning a ninja coffee maker is the sheer number of drinks you can make with just one machine. Whether you like a cup of black coffee in the morning, a latte around lunch, or even an iced coffee in the summer months, Ninja has you covered.

These are some of the drinks you can make with a ninja machine:

classic coffee
latte
mocha
caramel macchiato (iced or hot)
plain white
vanilla iced latte
coffee martini
irish coffee
pumpkin spiced latte
Iced chai latte
hot chocolate
white chocolate mocha

You can even make more innovative flavors with the specialty brew, like white chocolate mint lattes, s’mores lattes, or a Mexican spiced latte.

The only drawback regarding the coffee options is that you can’t actually make a shot of espresso. On the other hand, specialty coffee is great for mixing with milk for a rich and creative brew, but it’s not so good to drink neat. But, with such a wide range of coffee-making goodness at your fingertips, this is a small price to pay (plus, an espresso machine isn’t too expensive if it’s a necessity)!

How are ninja coffee makers different from other brands?

There are a number of ways ninja coffee makers differ from other models. Ninja’s best attribute is its ability to produce a wide variety of excellent quality coffee from home, giving you premium flavor at an affordable price. its ability to blend typical pod and drip machines is also very useful and will save you money and counter space.

another great benefit of ninja is its programmable settings that allow you to have your coffee ready in the morning, or whenever you want.

Finally, there are all the other little things ninjas add to their coffee pots. the warming plate keeps coffee warm for up to four hours, while the carafe comes in thermal and glass options and can fill up to 12 cups. these finishing touches add to the overall brilliance of the ninja experience.

Of course, these are not 100% positive reviews. some people complained that the buttons were so aligned that they became difficult to press, and others wanted additional customization options when selecting brew and size settings. however, many of these comments are for older models, and ninja brand coffee makers have come a long way since then.

recommended:

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what is the guarantee on ninja coffee machines?

all ninja coffee makers come with a one year warranty and a 60 day money back guarantee.

where are they made and by whom?

ninja coffee basics (formerly known as euro-pro operating llc, sharkninja operating llc) produces a variety of home appliances, from vacuum cleaners to (you guessed it) coffee makers. These days, the company that makes ninja coffee makers is called Sharkninja.

The company was founded in Montreal, Canada in 1996 and has since relocated to Needham, Massachusetts, outside of Boston. They officially changed their name from Euro-Pro to Sharkninja in 2017. However, most of their machines are made in China despite their US business base. uu.

However, from what was once a small company, the company has grown into a global cooperation, selling its products in all kinds of stores, from supermarkets to small appliance stores. sharkninja is known for its creativity, simplicity, and affordability.

the verdict

If you’re looking for a versatile and reliable coffee machine to create the caffeine station of your dreams, Ninja Coffee Makers may be the answer.

If you want to go with something simple and easy, try the specialty coffee maker. On the other hand, if you want a machine that can execute the hot and cold tea and coffee brewing gambit, check out the hot and cold brewing system. and if you want all the bells and whistles and a coffee machine that can do everything, go for dualbrew or dualbrew pro.

plus, if you don’t like any of these, you can always go for one of the “refurbished” or refurbished models. there is a reason why people love this brand. it’s because these machines last, and even the technology in older models has managed to stay competitive.

happy caffeine!